Mark already had a successful career as a UX designer, but even as a highly experienced professional in the digital design industry, he felt he could bring more value to his clients. Here’s how the UX Design Institute helped him deepen his expertise and deliver even greater value to his customers.
Meet Mark McGuiness, an experienced digital designer with over 15 years in the industry
Mark has been a freelance UX designer since 2008. Over the years, he has worked on a variety of projects and further developed his skills with each one. Despite his thriving career, though, he felt certain things were holding him back.
Although I felt like I had some general UX Design abilities, I was lacking a robust UX process, and felt that there were gaps in my knowledge that I was keen to fill.
To keep delivering high quality solutions for both clients and users, he knew he had to strengthen his skills and close those knowledge gaps.
Noticing critical knowledge gaps: why Mark decided to upskill despite his seniority
That’s when Mark started looking into UX design education opportunities. UX education is valuable and relevant even for experienced designers because the field is constantly changing. That’s especially true in recent years given the rise of artificial intelligence and the push to make design more accessible to all.
While early-career designers are often the focus of these stories, more senior practitioners also need to keep learning and growing. Mark recognised this and wanted to make sure his practice stayed current. To do that, he needed a course that reflected the latest industry developments and was created in collaboration with experienced practitioners.
Seeking depth, clarity and structure: why Mark chose the UX Design Institute
Mark conducted extensive research to find the right course for him. Ultimately, he chose the UX Design Institute, where he took the Professional Diploma in UX Design, because of its combination of practical curriculum, hands-on projects, and an expert team to guide him.
The UX Design Institute stood above other providers in terms of the curriculum, service and reviews. The course covered all the areas I was hoping for, and the student projects allowed me to get hands on and perform real UX Design tasks such as competitor benchmarking, user testing and affinity diagramming. All within a supportive, responsive environment.
After the course: using his new skills to deliver even more client value
Mark completed his course in March 2025 and his freelance UX career has only grown since. He’s gained the confidence and skills to successfully take on projects he couldn’t have before and delivers even more value to his many clients.
Training with the UX Design Institute has given me the tools and confidence to deliver UX Design improvements for my clients and their end users. I’ve taken on specialist projects that I simply wasn’t capable of before. I’ve helped clients improve conversion rates, reduce user friction and increase profits, all from the skills I’ve learned on this course.
Level up your UX skills with the UX Design Institute
Even as a Senior UX Designer with over 15 years of experience, Mark benefited from getting a UX diploma with the UX Design Institute.
The investment has definitely been worth it for me, and I recommend the UX Design Institute for anyone looking for a high quality UX Design course.
It goes to show that designers at all levels, from complete newcomers to senior designers, can benefit from continuous learning in the UX field.
Whether you are starting your UX career or looking to level up as a designer, the UX Design Institute’s Professional Diploma in UX Design gives you everything you need to succeed. The course is fully up to date, with an in-depth curriculum covering the entire UX process, from research and prototyping to delivery. It also explores how AI is shaping the industry today. Combined with 1 to 1 mentoring, career coaching, and expert tutor support at every stage, the Professional Diploma in UX Design is recognised as an industry standard.
Visit the official course page for more information or get free advice by booking a call with one of our education advisors.
Explore more success stories from UX Design Institute graduates for further inspiration.
- Samantha’s career pivot with the UX Design Institute
- A civil servant who became a UX advocate: How learning UX design enhanced John’s career
- A new career in fashion tech: Kristýna’s product design journey
